Work on a two-phase expansion and renovation project will begin immediately on the University of Tampa's Martinez Sports Center.
Crossroads Construction of Lakeland will attend to the first phase of the project which will include additional academic space; a renovation of the northeast corner of the building; an additional story; a brick exterior; and a remodeled main entrance of the building. The new and renovated space will contain 19 offices, eight classes and six labs, totaling about 23,000 square feet.
"We're constantly trying to improve the full educational experience at UT, so our projects are intended to address all aspects of student life -- academics, campus life and extracurricular programming," says Rick Ogorek, VP of the university's administration and finance, of the 57,000-square-feet undergoing expansion and renovation. "The space will both maximize existing space on campus while enhancing a strong presence in health sciences, human performance, athletics and even general academics."
The second phase of the project, beginning in the Fall of 2011, will include the construction of a new two-story building in place of the former home of public access channel Tampa Bay Community Network, and will be home to improved facilities for athletics, athletic training and ROTC.
Attaching itself to the southwest corner of the Martinez Sports Center, the new space will feature offices for the Athletics Department, study rooms, expanded athletic training and treatment spaces, additional locker rooms and larger laundry and storage spaces.
Upon completion of both phases in 2012 (phase one in early 2012 and phase two in the Fall of 2012), UT will move its ROTC program to the second floor of the new space. The current ROTC building will be redesigned and renovated into a general academic building.
"We believe our expansions and renovations will help lead to successful student outcomes, both in and out of the classroom," says Ogorek. "Our goal is for students attending UT to have a top-notch education at a strong institution. We want graduating students to be successful in whatever path they decide to take."
Although the total cost of the project has not been determined, primary funds will come from gifts to the university.
Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Rick Ogorek, University of Tampa
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.